The Bottom Line

Why is Trump back on the campaign trail?

After a brief absence from the public eye, the former president is holding a string of campaign rallies across the US.

Former President Donald Trump launched his “revenge tour” against Republican politicians who have not sufficiently supported him, repeating his claims that he won the 2020 elections, and attacking the media and Democrats.

Months after leaving office, Trump is still a commanding presence in the Republican Party. But is it a winning strategy for the GOP to indulge Trump and tie its future to him? But also, is it safe for the Democrats to ignore him?

Host Steve Clemons speaks with Democratic pollster Celinda Lake and University of Pennsylvania political science professor Dan Hopkins about how Trump factors into both parties’ tactics.